Basement flooding is not something uncommon, and it can frequently occur during floods or heavy raining. But for those that have experienced flooding, getting the water out of the basement is a very stressful job. Luckily, there are ways to protect yourself from flooding, and these measurements will greatly increase your chances of keeping the basement dry.
So, to do just that, we’ve put together a couple of measurements that you can implement to prevent basement flooding from ever becoming a problem.
1. Clean and Frequently Maintain the Gutters and Downspouts
Maintaining and cleaning the gutters and downspouts is one of the most essential measurements you can take to prevent flooding. This is something that every homeowner should know, as failing to do so would leave you in a very bad position.
Gutters are prone to get filled with debris, so frequent cleaning is of the utmost importance. The downspouts, on the other hand, must be placed in position, well away from your home’s foundation, so that water from raining can flow freely. It is recommended that you place the downspouts at least 1,5 meters away from your home’s foundation, that way you can make sure that no water reaches it. You can do this by using various extensions that easily go into the end of the downspout, to make sure that your foundation stays safe and wet free.
2. Landscape Your Yard
It goes without saying that there shouldn’t be any slopes in your landscape that direct the water to your home. It would be crazy to think that watering your flowers and yard could have a negative impact on your basement getting flooded. This could become a problem only in the case of any downward slopes that face your home.
Proper landscaping is essential for any residential home because it prevents any water from reaching the basement. If you notice any slopes facing your home, make sure to eighter level the entire yard or regrade the slope to prevent an unwanted situation. Another measurement to take is to build a French drain installed where the slope ends.
3. Inspect For any Foundation Cracks
It goes without saying that your foundation should be crack free since cracks openly welcome water in the time of heavy raining. Basement flooding can often occur if your exterior walls, basement walls, and foundation have any cracks in them.
It’s very easy to spot cracks, and all you have to do is look very hard for them. Fixing cracks is an even easier job, and can easily be done if you fill them with epoxy. But in most cases, this will not do the job, as fixing cracks should always be done by a professional. If you encounter any in your walls, make sure to call someone that knows how to do the job.
If you happen to experience any cracks in your basement, then make sure to visit www.GTARestoration.com, a Flooding Basement Toronto Company.
4. Sump Pump Maintenance
Many residential homes have sump pumps, and it is one of the most effective ways to prevent an unwanted flooding situation. On the other hand, a failing sump pump is probably the worst thing that can happen to you if a storm is about to approach. But the sump pump does far more than just prevent water from filling in your basement. They are an excellent line of defense against numerous other occurrences such as mold. But it goes without saying that this device requires a lot of maintenance, as simply owning one doesn’t mean an end to your flooding problems.
If your town is expected to be hit by a huge storm, take the necessary steps to ensure your sump pump is up and running. During bad storms, it’s not unusual for the power to go off, so invest money into a small generator that will keep the pump running in the case of a power outage. And another thing that will make you invest your money into a sump pump, even more, is the fact that basement flooding is not covered by your homeowner’s insurance.
5. Sewers and Septic System Maintenance
Another useful measurement to prevent your basement from an influx of water is to have your sewers and septic systems inspected. If the initial inspection shows worrying results of clogs, overflows, and a variety of other harmful things, then make sure to have them properly cleaned and maintained.
When heavy rain reaches your clogged septic systems and sewers, there is almost a 100% chance that you will experience basement flooding. Do not neglect this part as all it takes is a simple inspection that would otherwise cost you a lot of money.
6. Install Window Well Covers
A lot of residential homes have basements with below-par windows that make the entire basement vulnerable to water intake. The only way you can fight large bodies of water coming in from your windows is to install window well covers.
You’d be surprised to see how beneficial these can be when heavy rains storm your town. It is a brilliant way to keep outside water from the basement, and subsequently, prevent any water from reaching the foundation of your home. Window well covers should be a top priority to make your entire basement waterproof. As a general rule, acrylic window well covers are considered as the best type of protection.
7. Take Extra Insurance Coverage
The last tip on our list won’t necessarily keep the water out, but it will help fight the costs. As we mentioned, flooding is quite common to some places around the world, and anything bar the desert is prone to flooding. So if you happen to live in an area where flooding frequently occurs, or you want to take an extra step to protect your pocket after flooding, then make sure to get additional insurance coverage for sewer backups.
This type of insurance will greatly help you t cover for the costs after a basement flooding. Additionally, you might already be covered with this type of insurance, and all you have to do is simply look at your home’s insurance plan.
